The 40 members of the Solidarity for African Women’s Rights Coalition, based in 22 African countries, commend the African Union (AU) Heads of States and Governments on the successful election of Dr Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini-Zuma as its African Union Commission (AUC) first female Chairperson. The admirable way the elections were conducted exhibited the AU’s ability to apply its principles of promoting gender equality and respect for democratic principles, human rights, the rule of law and good governance as provided in the Constitutive Act of the AU. This is a strong message that should form the basis for similar renewed action